Reborn in the Chinese Entertainment Industry: You're a Director, But You're a Casanova?

Liu Yuehua stood up promptly and closed the script.

"The contract has been signed and the script has been delivered, so I won't disturb Sister Hong's rest any longer."

"I'll contact you again once the venue is ready. See you there!"

Liu Yuehua took his leave decisively, turned around and walked to the door to change his shoes. The whole process was smooth and efficient, perfectly embodying the ruthless and heartless nature of a scumbag.

The living room only returned to silence after the front door was gently closed.

Chen Hong remained seated on the sofa. She looked at the script on the coffee table, then glanced down at her wrist, which had just been gripped. The young man's burning heat seemed to linger there, like a branding iron imprinted on her skin.

She reached out and smoothed the collar of her clothes, trying to suppress the strange yet familiar flutter in her heart.

Liu Yuehua.

She silently repeated the name in her mind. Originally, she only took the role to disgust Xu Qing and gain publicity, but now, in her eyes, there was suddenly an added layer of expectation that even she herself felt was dangerous.

……

In the afternoon, at Yixin Media Studio.

In the conference room, sitting across the table was Cai Yinong, the president of Sugarman, who had flown in specifically from Shanghai.

This powerful woman, who would create countless hit period dramas over the next decade, handed a contract to Liu Yuehua.

"Director Liu, let's speak frankly."

"Liu Yifei is now universally recognized as a fairy sister online because of her role as Wang Yuyan in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils."

"The female lead Zhao Ling'er in the Legend of Sword and Fairy series, which Sugar Man is preparing, is practically tailor-made for her."

Tsai Yinong revealed a figure that would make anyone envious in 2003.

"A package deal of 200 million, plus the singing of the theme song."

"There's only one condition: Liu Yifei must join the crew early next month to reunite with our male lead, Brother Hu."

Sitting next to Liu Yuehua, Liu Xiaoli's breathing quickened when she heard the words "200 million" and "lead actress." She knew all too well the buzz this contract would generate.

Even if Liu Yuehua skins them alive, they'll still have plenty left.

Moreover, the large audience base of a top-tier single-player game IP like Legend of Sword and Fairy would allow Liu Yifei to reap the benefits for decades. She looked at Liu Yuehua, hoping that he would agree.

However, Liu Yuehua remained seated, not even glancing at the contract.

"President Cai, Xixi is about to join the cast of my movie, and she'll be the lead actress."

"Besides, this is a film aiming for the three major European awards. Why don't you take a look at the script?"

"Even if you're in Shanghai, you must have heard about the casting call a few days ago, right?"

"My play features Feng Gong, Jiang Wen, and Song Dandan."

As Liu Yuehua spoke, he handed over the character settings related to Liu Yifei.

Cai Yinong flipped through the character settings and saw Liu Yifei, who was regarded as the pinnacle of youth by audiences across the country.

With short, blond hair, temporary tattoos on her arms, smoky makeup, and smoking, how does she become a delinquent?

Cai Yinong's face instantly darkened.

She threw away the character settings.

"Director Liu, in the film and television business, we believe in going with the flow."

"Liu Yifei's current image is that of an ethereal fairy, and the sugar figurine needs to portray a pure and flawless descendant of Nuwa, which is also a commercial selling point that major provincial satellite TV stations are specifically looking for."

"If the market sees Liu Yifei acting like a delinquent in your movie, the selling points of the Legend of Sword and Fairy series will be severely negatively affected."

Cai Yinong's tone became firmer.

"As a fellow professional, I advise you: don't ruin the commercial value of a future top star for the sake of a so-called award-winning art film."

"She can't act like that in your play."

"If we are to collaborate, the script and character design for 'Flying Man' must be changed."

This is the rule of capital: whoever pays more has the power to define the artist's persona.

Ah, I still miss the days when Boss Wang was around. He just provided the money and didn't care about anything else.

Why didn't I think of buying the copyright for Chinese Paladin sooner?

Liu Yuehua leaned back.

"Mr. Cai, how you play your ancient costume dramas in Shanghai is none of my business."

"But in Beijing, at Yixin Media, my scripts are the rule."

Liu Yuehua stared at Cai Yinong.

"I will not only not change the script, but I will also not release the people in advance."

"Liu Yifei must finish filming my movie first before she can film your movie, 'Descendant of Nuwa'."

"If you want people, make your film crew wait."

Cai Yinong was so angry that she laughed. She stood up and grabbed the contract on the table.

"Director Liu, it's good for young people to be proud, but it's foolish to turn down money."

"I can afford to wait, but your artists can't afford to waste their commercial lifespan. I'm not going to discuss this deal anymore."

After saying that, Cai Yinong stood up and walked out of the conference room without looking back.

"President Cai, President Cai, please let me explain..." Liu Xiaoli hurriedly stood up, about to chase after him, but was nailed to the spot by Liu Yuehua's cold gaze.

The daytime meeting ended unhappily.

It was late at night in the studio. Tong Yao, who had come to clean up since she had nothing else to do, had also left.

(As shown in the figure)

The lights were still on in Liu Yuehua's office.

The door was gently pushed open, and Liu Xiaoli walked in.

She abandoned her dignified professional attire from the daytime and entered the room wearing a long, light trench coat.

The belt of the trench coat was tied loosely, and you could vaguely see the close-fitting black slip dress underneath.

Since she couldn't get any say at the negotiating table during the day, she decided to use the method she was most familiar with to solve the problem.

The two of them had already crossed that line back in Venice and Gunma Prefecture.

In Liu Xiaoli's mind, since she had become this man's lover, it meant that she had more say in the company and in front of this man than ordinary employees.

She believes that pillow talk is the most powerful weapon in the world.

This is Liu Xiaoli, a short-sighted and foolish scheme by a low-level player who attempts to use physical relationships to overstep her authority and interfere with decision-making.

"Yuehua, you're still reading the script."

Liu Xiaoli locked the door, walked behind Liu Yuehua, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her chest against his back. Her voice carried a sweet and pleading tone typical of a mature woman.

"During the day in the conference room, I have to save face for your boss, but now that no one's around, let's be frank, it's 200 million."

"When we were filming Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, Sissi was practically forced into the role without asking for a fee. I understand, so I let it go."

"I helped film the 'Seven Mile Fragrance' music video and had a cameo role in 'Initial D' without receiving any payment. Have you ever considered me one of your own?"

"A big-budget production like Chinese Paladin is extremely important for Sisi's future."

Liu Xiaoli gently traced circles on Liu Yuehua's chest with her fingers, attempting to use the softness of her body to break down the man's rationality.

"Just listen to me this once and change Sisi's image. She's only a teenager, and you've really made her look like a delinquent."

"What reputable production team would dare to hire her in the future?"

"As long as you give Mr. Cai a call tomorrow, I'll do whatever you want with me from now on."